Film and architecture has an affinity that architects in history have time and time again attempted to project on screen. Architect Charles and Ray Eames used film as a likely vessel for their ideas. In Powers of Ten, it "takes us on an adventure in magnitudes." They chose a fitting starting point at a lakeside in Chicago. As the American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrates National Architecture Week, what a fitting segue to an upcoming Film Festival that will take place in Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center on May 5th to 9th.
"Our festival in New York brought out thousands of people who enjoy architecture and design, so with Chicago's rich architectural history, we couldn't think of a more fitting host city," Architect and Festival Founder/Co-Director Kyle Bergman explained.
The Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) kicked-off in Chicago's The Wit hotel last week where the Art Institute of Chicago as well as Architect Jeanne Gang welcomed guests. Ms. Gang will also be participating in a Discussion Panel during the festival as well as have a book signing (for Reveal: Studio Gang Architects) event, along with Danish architect Bjarke Ingels (for Yes is More: An Archicomic on Architectural Evolution).
"I'm excited about bringing the festival to Chicago. We'll be featuring talented filmmakers, and I think the architecture community, as well as anyone interested in design, will likely be impressed by the range and quality of the films," elaborated Laura Cardello, ADFF co-director.
The festival's 5 day program will offer over 40 films from 11 countries and will host a series of panel discussions with some of today's design leaders.
If you go:
For all panel discussions and Q&A: The Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago
Small selection of films: Screen @ the Wit Hotel, 201 N. State Street, Chicago
Tickets: available for purchase beginning April 22nd at the Gene Siskel Film Center box office
General admission: $10
AIA members: $8
Chicago Architecture Foundation members: $8
Students: $7
Gene Siskel Film Center members: $5
About The Gene Siskel Film Center
For close to 40 years, The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has presented independent and international cinema, film festivals, cutting edge programs, premieres, retrospectives and classic films. Recognized internationally for its original programming, the Film Center annually presents approximately 1,500 screenings and 100 guest artist appearances to more than 75,000 film enthusiasts at its unique, sophisticated, modern facilities at 164 N. State Street. For more information, please visit www.siskelfilmcenter.org. The Gene Siskel Film Center is a public program of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
A nationally accredited leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a multidisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. For more information, please visit www.saic.edu. The Gene Siskel Film Center and SAIC are part of The Art Institute of Chicago. For more information about the Art Institute please visit www.artic.edu.
Lira Luis, AIA, RIBA, NCARB, LEED®AP, is principal architect at Atelier Lira Luis, LLC.
She believes in transforming the world and society through designs that
are sensitive to sustainability and address social responsibility.
She was National Geographic's 2010 Aspen Environment Forum Scholar and
reigning 2010 American Institute of Architects (AIA) ATHENA Young
Professional Awardee. This year Tile of Spain sent her to Spain as Reign
In Spain Winner, exploring the world of ceramic tile. Follow her in
Twitter: @liraluis or Get LinkedIn with her.
